Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth

 I thoroughly enjoyed Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth.

As a child, Mabel’s story is quietly heartbreaking. Her father’s coldness toward her—whether rooted in the tragedy surrounding her sister’s polio or something deeper—creates a painful sense of rejection from the start. Her mother clearly loves her, yet that love never quite outweighs loyalty to a husband willing to betray their family. And then there is the teacher, whose exploitation of a vulnerable girl is especially difficult to read. These early experiences leave a lasting mark.

What I loved most was Mabel as an adult. Her interactions with Persephone and Nugget are pure curmudgeonly gold—gruff, protective, and often hilarious—yet they clearly come from someone who has learned the hard way to guard her heart. She is quirky and funny, but you can still feel the weight of that damaged childhood in everything she does.

The ending is sad, and yet… it feels earned. A memorable, character-driven read that stays with you.  Rating: 4/5 stars

KILLERS OF A CERTAIN AGE by Deanna Raybourn

 I just finished Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn, and it’s a fun, fast-paced thriller with dark humor that fits perfectly with the mysteries and thrillers that are so popular lately.

The story follows four women in their early sixties who’ve spent forty years as elite assassins for a secretive organization. Their retirement cruise turns into a hit job from their own employer, forcing them to rely on their experience, wits, and the way people constantly underestimate them to survive. 

The narrative alternates between the present-day chase and flashbacks to their earlier missions, which nicely builds the characters and their deep friendships.

What stood out most for me were the sharp banter, strong sisterhood, and how they weaponize their “invisibility” at this age. It feels empowering without being preachy, and the action stays entertaining rather than overly grim. It gave me similar vibes to The Thursday Murder Club—clever older characters who are far sharper than anyone expects—but with more edge and professional assassins.

I flew through it and am already starting the sequel. If you enjoy lighthearted thrillers (yes, it’s possible!), I’d recommend this for your next pick. An excellent book-club choice that should spark great discussion about loyalty, aging, and friendship under pressure.

Rating: 3.5 / 5 ⭐